Guides & Toolkits

3 © 2011, Safe Workplace Promotion Services Ontario, publicly known as Workplace Safety & Prevention Services. 1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | www.wsps.ca Loading Docks and Warehouses Safe Work Guidelines When You Are Adding Strapping Use safety goggles and leather gloves With heavy strapping, use steel-reinforced glove Do not use more force to tighten straps than the machine is designed for To cut off excess strapping and sharp or pointed ends and remove any broken or damaged bands, use metal snips (cutters) When You Are Working with Strapped Items Face in the direction of the pull Stay out of the direct line when the strap is under tension Do not lift a package by the strapping Before You Cut The Strapping Anchor the closest end with a holding device Warn other workers, pick up your snips, turn your back to the strapping and stand out of the line of recoil Do not remove strapping by breaking it with a hammer, bar, chisel, or other tool After You Cut The Strapping If the strapping is not made of metal, tie a knot in it If the strapping is metal, fold and flatten it Throw out waste strapping immediately so it does create a tripping hazard Hazard: chemical exposure or Leaking chemicals Details Sealers are used as coatings to waterproof items for shipment Glues are used to seal containers and attach labels Sometimes leaks can develop in the load, causing hazardous chemicals to drain to the back of the truck Often quick-drying agents that foam are used to package products for shipment. Some of these agents contain Isocyanates, which are a designated substance in Ontario. If the agents are not used and maintained properly, workers may be exposed to the Isocyanates Isocyanates are also contained in some floor repair epoxies Threat Permanent damage to the lining of your lungs and other parts of your respiratory system, allergies, asthma, damage to lungs, burns, irritation to your respiratory tract, skin, eyes Symptoms may include sore eyes, runny nose, sore throat, coughing, wheezing, tight chest, fever and breathlessness Note: Once you are sensitized to Isocyanates, even limited exposure can cause severe breathing problems Safe Work Guidelines While You Are Choosing Chemical Products Whenever possible, use less harmful agents Use plastic sealers or cold asphalt compounds rather than pitch While You Are Using Chemicals Check the MSDS for the specific hazards of the materials that you are using

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